Tlell's River February 3, 2014

The car was heading to Tlell so off we went ... not really sure where we would be hiking: wind, waves, whatever.

After checking out the dunes and a geocache [missing!] it was decided to check out the River. Instead of going down the Sitka Studio branch we chose Lionel's branch instead ... and fortunately 2 of the group had never been there?

Carefully over the fence and off to parallel the river on the fishermen's path, past the field with the beautiful holly tree. then onward, checked another cache (which was there) then another fence ... calm lovely walk but lots of blowdowns during the winter into the river. The stripey leaved orchids [with medicinal healing properties] were looking healthy! Next time we may connect up with the Anvil Trail.

We even heard of a rumour about logging in that area ...  certainly hope they are careful with the river's riparian zone!

2014 ...a bit different

Taking the Arts Council performers to Port Clements ... the fellows had been to Port earlier in the week and were keen to see the Golden Spruce but they had missed it so were were going back today to find it before they flew out of Masset. (There had been an article in the Observer explaining that the trail wasn't finished and that the crush was late!)

Off we went the day perfect ... had to stop at St Mary's Spring to insure their return then straight to the Golden Spruce Trail ... yes clearly there was work in progress ... apparently the tail will soon in wheelchair-able both to the Hollow Tree and the Golden Spruce lookout ... as yet there are no signs!

The trail has been re-engineered and relocated but still such a lovely area ... because there were no signs the fellows had continued on and on and because the bench is no longer there they didn't know they were way past it ...  they did find a recently dead eagle which was interesting and we had a great crisp morning hike further down the river than I had been before ... we even stopped to watch a seal.

Rennell Sound - Nov. 3, 2013

Heading out to Rennell Sound before the snow flies and we can't go .... the weatherman had suggested sunny weather but he was wrong ... light drizzle yet calm and mild. The road was in good condition, very little traffic and no logging trucks on Sunday.

Little wildlife was seen: 1 raccoon, 1 3-point buck, and 1 squirrel. The squirrel provoked the discussion around not many of them seen this year and what happened to the owls in Sandspit last winter?

No unusual debris on the beaches ... well polished driftwood and one large orange plastic float on Bonanza, and a shiny 2 inch agate! Thanks to whomever took took out the log across the trail; great to visit neighbours also enjoying the views and rolling swells landing on the beach at about a 3/4 tide. Bonanza Trail needs more visitors as the salal is closing in!

Gregory beach good as usual, this time there were lots of turban shells, which when found on the east coast rarely have their tops intact but at Gregory lots were fully shaped just missing the previous owner. We were told that CLR is great for cleaning up the shells! Another small plastic float and ruby red light bulb were all the flotsam that seemed interesting and of course more driftwood and rocks were moved around the islands to various yards.

It was a great trip to ensure no nature deficit disorder.

Back on Island ... back to the Tarundl Oct. 2013

Delighted to have a reason to go for a hike ... "let's try the Tarundl", easy to hike and easy to talk ... so with a frequent island visitor off we went ... thanks Jean for the opportunity ...

and you never know what you might see ... on the way down, right in town a grouse ....















then there were the late arriving Tarundl salmon.

coming to the end with more St. John's, Quidi Vidi, Cape Spear

Just a little more of St John's a very active port with its spectacular harbour entrance.

Then up to the Citadel on the north and the entrance batteries on the south.

Next is Quidi Vidi ... about as charming as it gets   ... we had a delicious chowder lunch in a 100 year old building ... with rolling wave floors!

Finally Cape Spear as far east as we can get ....

 Well we travelled over 6000 k while in Newfoundland and almost 8000 k to get there ... what a wonderful trip with great friends and that special hospitality of Newfoundlanders, exemplified by our Bonnie.

Heading out to find the Gannetts ...

The van is now full as we have picked up both Bonnie and Kelly [used to be Klimic, when she lived here in the 80's, she now lives in St. John's].

We are heading down to Cape St Mary's to see the nesting area for the Gannetts; they were getting ready to fly off but there was still a wide range of chick ages.
 

 
Then we walked the Cataracts ... there is a board walk that takes you down across and back up over this river ... then we drove over the bridge.

Next trip is to the Bay Bulls were Kelly is working in the park, East Coast Trails.

 This is part of the eastern coastal trail of the Avalone Peninsula .. over 200 miles long!
We met several groups hiking this section on a beautiful Sept. day.

A off shore oil-rig supply boat passing by.

 Nfld has amazing trail systems ..

 Soon we say goodbye to some of our crew but there is still more of the Avalone to see.

Into St John's

Back to reconnect with Bonnie and her family - a day of rest and then into the big city ...














Lots of colour all over St John's ... and we all loved the Rooms ... their museum on the hillside over looking the town.

  Window shopping and good food but no music